Psoralea corylifolia known as bakuchi in Ayurveda, belongs to the Papilionaceae family and found in many parts of India. It is used in many ayurvedic, unani, and modern medicines.

The main part used for medicinal formulations is seed. The chief active principle of the bakuchi seeds is an essential oil and a fixed oil, a resin, and traces of a substance of alkaloidal nature. The herb is aromatic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, diuretic, diaphoretic, laxative, stimulant and aphrodisiac. In Unani medicine system the herb iused in skin conditions, particularly leucoderma, 

anti-souda, balghami, fevers, anthelmintic, and as a sedative for internal ulcers.

In Ayurveda, the herb has been considered to be so effective in the treatment of leprosy that it was given the name of 'Kushtanashini' (leprosy destroyers). The powder from the seed is used to treat leprosy and leucoderma internally. It is also applied in the form of paste or ointment externally. It has shown to improve the color of skin (including removing white spots), hair, and nails. The root of bakuchi is useful in carries of teeth whereas leaves are good for diarrhea, the fruit is diuretic, and causes biliousness. It is useful in treatment of vomiting, piles, bronchitis, inflammation, anaemia etc. It improves hair growth and complexion. The seeds are also used to make a perfumed oil. They are also used for scorpion sting, and snake-bite.